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The Future of DUC
Much has been said in the
media about the Point Waterfront Development and how it will affect
the watersports clubs based in the area. Current and potential
members of the clubs, as a result of some negative media coverage
relating to one club, are concerned that there is "no future" for
the clubs within the development and as such, joining the clubs is
futile and a waste of money.
THIS IS NOT THE CASE!
The Point developers agree that a Watersports club is essential to
the success of the Point Waterfront Development as potential
residents and investors will come to area for the lifestyle it
offers which includes easy access to the ocean and associated
watersports. To this end, the three clubs affected, DUC, Point Yacht
Club (PYC) and the Durban Ski Boat Club (DSBC) have concluded an
agreement
(click
here to see it) to purchase land from the
Developers at a discount rate on which they will establish a
"superclub", the Point Watersports Club (PWC).
The intention being that PWC will continue to offer the facilities
and services that the three clubs currently offer to their members,
and that this facility will be available to the residents of the
Point Waterfront Development (at normal membership rates and
conditions) for their enjoyment. The major difference in this
instance being that the clubs, for the first time ever, will own the
land upon which the club will be built, thereby securing their
future!
The time span within which this combined Point Watersports Club
(PWC) will take shape is still subject to much speculation because
it depends on so many factors such as:
- The completion of the Harbour widening project.
- The development of the Small Craft Harbour
- The development of the land and installation of services of the
land allocated to PWC
- The demolition and relocation of DSBC to the PYC and DUC premises
and the required notice period involved.
- The time period involved to build the new club and to negotiate a
framework within which the clubs will operate within the "superclub".
- The current world wide economic climate and it's effect on the
local developers ability to continue to develop the Point within
this financial environment.
A rough "guesstamit", according to the author, is minimum three
years, mostly likely five years from 2008 before DUC will be
required to relocate to the new site. This means that the club will
carry on as is in the medium term and you can continue to enjoy the
clubs unique facilities and location and continue to get value for
your annual subs.
It is at this time that the club needs your support most to make
sure we have a strong representation during the negotiations with
the developers and other clubs. In return you may be rewarded with a
world class facility that continues to offer you the benefits that
you can enjoy today at DUC.
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